Killswitch Engage's Jesse Leach Speaks on Social Media Post–Throat Surgery | Page 2 | Revolver

Killswitch Engage's Jesse Leach Speaks on Social Media Post–Throat Surgery

Vocalist received treatment to remove vocal polyps
jesse leach HUBBARD 2018

UPDATE 2, 5/18/18: Leach has given another update on his recovery via Instagram, speaking on-camera for his first time since the surgery. In the clip, which you can view below, the singer reports that his recuperation is going as according to plan, and that he's been doing vocal exercises in preparation for Killswitch's upcoming tour. Looking (and sounding) good, Jesse!

UPDATE, 4/30/18: Today, Jesse Leach underwent surgery at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York to remove polyps from his vocal cords, and it looks like it was a success. The singer posted the following photo to Instagram of him wearing his post-operation gown with the message:

"Surgery went well my friends. Time for rest and recovery. Big thanks to Dr. Woo and the amazing staff at Mount Sinai Hospital. That was a surreal day, I'm glad it's over and I'm headed home."

ORIGINAL STORY, 4/25/2018: Killswitch Engage have canceled several upcoming North American shows so that frontman Jesse Leach can receive vocal-cord surgery.

"Earlier today we found out Jesse [Leach] needs to have surgery to repair an issue with his vocal cords," the band announced via Facebook today (April 25th). Fortunately, they add, Leach is expected to make a full recovery so he can return to touring and recording — "But to avoid any future risk, we, unfortunately, have to pull off these dates now."

The seven previously scheduled dates — set for April 26th through May 5th — include stop-offs in Jacksonville, Florida; Cleveland, Ohio; and Mexico City, among others. The dates will be rescheduled as a later date. Find a full list of affected shows below.

Leach offered more details on the situation in a separate Instagram post. "It's been a rough couple of weeks for me mentally," he began. "After being completely silent for over a week, having massive amounts of prednisone and spending time in doctors' offices... it's official: I have to go under the knife. I've overused my voice to the point where I've developed a polyp that will not just go away; it needs to be removed.

"I'm very grateful to Dr. Scott Kessler and Dr. Woo Peak for all of their wisdom and care. I'm also grateful to my managers for being incredible support when I was losing my damn mind over this. Thankful for my brothers in Killswitch for understanding and having my back. I'm looking forward to spending time with [vocal coach] Melissa Cross after my recovery and learning to rebuild my technique and ensure this doesn't happen ever again. I'm so grateful to everyone who's sent me love and support. I've been assured this type of surgery happens quite a lot in the world of entertainment and the recovery time is much quicker than it was years ago.

"Lastly, my apologies to all the fans who bought tickets; we will make it up to you! Thank you for understanding and all the love and support you've given me and the music I'm blessed to be able to make. I'm making the most of my last few days of talking by spending time with people I love. It's going to be a quiet and contemplative few weeks for sure but it's all part of my journey. I will keep you all posted come surgery day and my rehabilitation process. Hell, maybe I can even get footage of the surgery itself to post up?! We'll see...

"So yeah, now you know," Leach concluded. "Here's to a successful procedure and a quick recovery." In other words, don't worry: the new Killswitch Engage album is still on.

Killswitch Engage tour dates (cancelled):

Apr. 26 — Sayreville, NJ — Starland Ballroom
Apr. 28 — Jacksonville, FL — Welcome To Rockville Fest
Apr. 29 — Ft. Lauderdale, FL — Fort Rock Fest
May 01 — Louisville, KY — Mercury Ballroom
May 02 — Cleveland, OH — Agora Theatre
May 03 — Poughkeepsie, NY — The Chance
May 05 — Mexico City, MEX — Hell And Heaven Fest

Below, see Jesse Leach open up about his own struggle with anxiety and depression as part of Revolver's "Rise Above" series: